Erectile Dysfunction Education
Yet society tends to treat it as something of a taboo. Those who are suffering do so in silence. This only compounds the secrecy surrounding what is a common bodily ailment.
Many men report feeling a loss of masculinity if experiencing Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Maybe you feel isolated and depressed. The fear of not being able to get an erection when needed can lead to performance anxiety.
This stress can start to creep into other areas of your life.
The good news is, ED can be treated. First of all, arm yourself with the facts and bust some of the myths surrounding this health issue. Erectile dysfunction education will help you to take steps to address your condition.
Read on for 9 surprising statistics about erectile dysfunction.
1. Erectile Dysfunction Education - You’re Not Alone
When you first experience ED, it can be a scary and isolating feeling. Men don’t tend to discuss sexual dysfunction with each other, so it’s easy to assume you’re the only one suffering.
However, nearly one-third of all men experience some sort of sexual dysfunction. This may be ED, loss of libido, or something else. ED itself affects approximately 150 million men across the world.
The most important thing is to realize that it’s very common and nothing to be ashamed of. Visit your doctor to discuss your concerns. They will have come across this many times before and will be able to make suggestions.
The usual treatments are lifestyle changes, medications or vacuum pumps.
2. ED Can Affect You At Any Age
Generally, ED has come to be associated with the older generation. Particularly with the increasing popularity of medications like Viagra. Although the ability to achieve an erection does decline with age, around 5 in every 100 men aged 40 have total ED.
Mild to moderate ED (i.e. not total ED) increases by 10% each decade. So for example, 50% of men in their 50s and 60% in their 60s are affected.
In younger men, ED can be associated with performance anxiety. This is when the fear of not being able to please a partner in bed leads to difficulty obtaining an erection. This may be more of a psychological issue, which could be addressed with talking therapy.
3. Why Is It Happening To Me?
Most commonly, ED is a result of underlying health issues. Healthy lifestyle changes are usually the first thing suggested by medical professionals. The health conditions most frequently associated with ED are diabetes and heart problems.
Between 35-50% of men who have diabetes experience ED. Meanwhile, around 70% of ED cases are related to heart conditions.
Both diabetes and heart conditions can be improved with healthier living. A Mediterranean diet is usually recommended as a starting point.
4. Quit The Cigarettes
Did you know that men who smoke are more than twice as likely to experience ED? Smoking constricts the blood vessels and weakens the heart. This means that there is less blood flow to your penis.
One study found that after a year of quitting cigarettes, men who struggled with ED had a 25% improvement in the quality of their erections. In case you didn’t already have the incentive to ditch the smokes, do it for your sex life!
5. Take a Walk
As ED is associated with diabetes and heart disease, exercising will lower the likelihood of being affected. Also, ED is often associated with weight issues. Obese men are 50% more likely to experience ED than men of a healthy weight.
We all know that exercise is a core part of healthy living. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to start pounding the weights at the gym. Studies show that walking for 30 minutes each day lowers the likelihood of experiencing ED.
As walking outdoors is also beneficial for mental wellbeing, this is definitely one to try.
6. Grab a Coffee
Whilst out on your daily walk, why not stop by your local cafe for a cup of joe to go? Experiments have shown that men who drink 2-3 cups of coffee each day are less likely to experience ED.
The caffeine in coffee increases blood circulation, which means more flow to the penis. If you’re not a fan of coffee, perhaps try tea, diet cola or pills for your caffeine fix.
Just be careful not to overdo it, as excessive caffeine consumption can worsen heart conditions. This could mean a detrimental effect on your ED. It’s all about moderation!
7. Review Your Medication
One of the first things you should do when you experience ED is consult your health practitioner. They will likely do a full review of your health and any medication you currently take.
It could be that your other medication is contributing to the condition. There are more than 200 prescription drugs which may cause ED. Make sure you don’t stop taking any prescribed medication without discussing with your doctor.
8. Consider a Vacuum Pump
Vacuum constriction devices, or pumps, are one of the suggested treatments for ED. These pumps work by placing a cylinder over the penis and creating a seal. A connected pump then creates a vacuum, drawing blood into the penis.
When an erection has been achieved, the cylinder is removed and a band placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection. Vacuum pumps are generally safe to use. When used properly, studies have shown nearly
95% success in achieving intercourse.
However, users have also reported that they find the devices bulky and unnatural. They also create a ‘cold’ erection, which can be less pleasant for the partner.
9. Don’t Suffer in Silence
Statistically, men who experience ED are twice as likely to also suffer from depression. This doesn’t necessarily mean that one directly causes the other. However, the link is there and it’s important to be aware of it.
Suffering from ED can affect your self-esteem and put strains on romantic relationships. For many men, this leads to frustration, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. If you’re struggling emotionally or mentally, make sure that you let your doctor know.
You might consider talking therapy. There are psychosexual therapists who specialize in sexual dysfunction. Remember, there is help available and you needn’t suffer alone.
The Bottom Line
Erectile Dysfunction is a common condition affecting men of all ages across the world. Erectile Dysfunction education helps to dispel the myths and taboos around the condition.
Long term lifestyle changes should be considered to reduce the risk of experiencing ED. Short term, there is no shame in using medication or pumps to help you achieve an erection.
If you’d like more information on the options available to you, contact us.
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